The Archangel Uriel

Last weekend we visited Canterbury Cathedral which was the first cathedral founded in England, and an important European pilgrimage site since the assassination of Thomas Becket there in the 12th century. Above are the Cathedral cloisters.

One thing that made a real impression on me inside the Cathedral was the most beautiful stained glass window of the Archangel Uriel. One reason this image struck me is that at work at the moment, we are putting together a special programme about ‘Angels’ at the request of some viewers. As part of this, I have been collating amazing stories of encounters that Christians have had with angels as well as researching the role of angels, biblically. I intend to write a bit more about this, this week.

So this window of Uriel really interested me. I had not come across him scripturally. From what I have read, the only archangels mentioned in the Bible are Michael and Gabriel (and Lucifer before his expulsion from heaven). Uriel, like Raphael, is identified only on the basis of Jewish Rabbinical tradition.

Uriel’s name is said to mean, ‘God is my light,’ ‘God is light’ or ‘Fire of God.’ The fiery sphere he holds obviously symbolises this. Some Christians believe that the cherubim that God placed at the east of the garden of Eden when Adam and Eve were driven out, was Uriel …

So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life (Genesis 3:24).

Below is another post about our weekend in Canterbury, which was also posted today.

10 Responses to “The Archangel Uriel”

I used to be teased that I am so absent minded my angels were so exhausted God had to arrange with them to work shift hours! You are doing such an amazing work for God – Birgit, my prayers are with you, X

I think we should all be reminded of St Theresa of Avila’s words at this time:

“God has no hands but our hands to do his work today;
God has no feet but our feet to lead others in his way;
God has no voice but our voice to tell others how he died;
and, God has no help but our help to lead them to his side.”